Sorority Plans Activities to Create Awareness of Domestic Violence

Members of Alpha Chi Omega sorority at William Woods University are planning “Take Back the Night” activities during October in observance of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Alpha Chi Omega’s national philanthropy is the promotion of educational and prevention efforts to eliminate domestic violence by supporting programs designed to understand the problem, assist and protect the victims, and work for the well-being of all women and families.

The chapter at William Woods, in conjunction with the Remley Women’s Center at Westminster College, will stage events to raise awareness about this important issue.

Domestic violence statistics are staggering. Estimates range from 960,000 incidents of violence against a current or former spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend per year to three million women who are physically abused by their husband or boyfriend per year.

Nearly one-third of American women report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives.

The first event planned to raise awareness at William Woods University will be the Clothesline Project. Participants will each be able to decorate a t-shirt during lunch Thursday (Oct. 20) in Tucker Dining Hall. The t-shirts are intended to make a statement, and they will later be displayed on campus.

On Oct. 27, WWU and Westminster College will co-sponsor a Take Back the Night program, starting at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 718 Court St. Kelly Oucero from the Columbia domestic violence shelter will speak.

A Candlelight March will follow the program, aimed at remembering those who have suffered and died from domestic violence and celebrating the work being done to end violence.

The march will proceed south on Business 54 to the Callaway County Courthouse. There, participants will be invited to share their response to what they have heard that evening or make a statement about how domestic violence has affected them personally.

For more information, contact Sable Handke, WWU chair of the project, at (573) 592-4614 or sable.handke@williamwoods.edu.

Author:Mary Ann Beahon

Mary Ann Beahon brings more than 45 years of public relations experience to the job, primarily in higher education. She served as the director of University Relations for 18 years before retiring in 2018.
View all posts by Mary Ann Beahon

I grew up in Tucson, Arizona where I currently live. I was involved in 4-H and rode horses from a young age. The Equestrian Science program is what originally brought me to William Woods, but I decided to pursue a degree in Biology while I

Take a look back at graduation day 2019! We are so proud of our newest alumni class and hope you are already enjoying post-college life to the fullest. Don't forget to visit your alma mater every now and then!

Take a look back at graduation day 2019! We are so proud of our newest alumni class and hope you are already enjoying post-college life to the fullest. Don't forget to visit your alma mater every now and then! https://t.co/2VJE163W4Z